| We're thinking about using classroom clickers to | | | | Are we just paying two thousand dollars for a |
| get our students "voting" in their responses to | | | | digital way to get students to raise their hands? |
| questions. SMART technologies has a SMART | | | | Maybe, maybe not. |
| Response student response system that lets | | | | You could use the anonymous mode so that |
| your students click in an answer. | | | | students are more open to given their response. |
| Basically, you post a question using your | | | | But,you could also have students write their |
| computer and LCD projector and students click in | | | | responses on a slip of paper and hand that into |
| their response using individual remote controls. | | | | the front. |
| You can set up questions using the SMART | | | | You could use the notebook software to keep |
| software or Microsoft powerpoint, Questions can | | | | track of student responses and marks. But, you |
| be multiple choice or numeric questions, but you | | | | could also just give a paper-and-pencil quiz.Is this |
| can't really have students enter an open-ended | | | | classroom technology for technology's sake, or |
| response. That means you're left with doing | | | | does it actually improve the pedagogy and |
| practice questions to standardized tests. | | | | instructional practice? |
| You can, however, show the results using a LCD | | | | Ultimately it comes down to whether you want |
| data projector connected to your computer. | | | | classroom technology to allow you to move at |
| Students can log into the system or use the | | | | the speed of thought. If you already teach with a |
| classroom clickers anonymously. Gradebook | | | | data projector and powerpoint on a regular basis, |
| software is provided and you can create class | | | | is it that far removed to have students vote with |
| reports.Having said that Iým not sure the | | | | a remote control console instead of a slip of |
| SMART Student Response system is worth the | | | | paper? Will this be the technology edge that helps |
| money. | | | | to engage the struggling boys in your class? Sure, |
| A media release from SMART technologies' | | | | we could record our marks in a binder, but you |
| website for 2007 lists the suggested (educational) | | | | can also use Excel or gradekeeping software to |
| retail price of the 32 unit pack at $1,999 USD | | | | do that. Given that our students are growing up in |
| (approx $62 per unit) and the 24 unit pack at | | | | a digital age, SMART Response clickers seem to |
| $1599 (approx $66 per unit). They also sell the | | | | be a natural evolution. Except for the price. |
| SMART Response system in packs of 5 clickers. | | | | |